Loving God With All Your HeartSample

Following Jesus may take all your strength

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

When Paul looks back on his life, he describes it as a “fight” and a “race.” It was not a race to get ahead in society, make a lot of money or gain a powerful position. No, Paul's struggle was about “keeping the faith.”

These images make it clear that life as a believer is not always easy. It takes effort to fight against temptations. If we relax in that, we easily fall back into sin. Then we get “lured and enticed by our own desire.” (James 1:14) Sometimes we are attacked by enemies of Jesus (which can be people, but also spiritual powers). That too can be very difficult. Moreover, Paul encountered constant opposition when sharing the Gospel with people. Several times it almost cost him his life! One would almost wonder: who can endure all that?!

Paul gives an answer in 1 Corinthians 10:13. “God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Do you experience your life as a struggle? In what ways? How can the above verse help you to persevere?